Hockey: Magic Monklands hammer Kelburne

Feb 3 2010 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge

MONKLANDS Men’s Hockey Club finished their West District Indoor League campaign on a high with a sweet 16 against Kelburne.

The Coatbridge men secured runners-up spot in the table, behind winners Clydesdale, with a devastating display at the Glasgow School of Sport.

Sheila Moodie’s outfit were in terrific form as they put a youthful Kelburne team to the sword.

A crushing 13-3 victory for Giffnock over Stepps ensured Monklands required a win to guarantee second spot in the league.

With only really pride and divisional placing to play for, the match started sluggishly, but Monklands eventually found their rhythm.

Colin McAdams was, once again, Monklands’ goal machine and his hat-trick, coupled with a brace from midfielder David Aitken, made it 5-0 at the break.

Kelburne wilted in the second period with Monklands taking full advantage and scoring 11 goals in 20 minutes.

Marksman McAdams and Aitken both helped themselves to four strikes apiece. Andrew Leaker grabbed a double with Jamie Mathieson also on the scoresheet.

Monklands’ Iain Paterson said: “The team can take great pride in finishing as the league’s highest scorers, having banged in 73 goals in six games.

“And in conceding only 15 goals over the season, Monklands also boasted the best defensive record.”

There is more indoor action for the team next Sunday when they compete in the West District Indoor Cup.

The competition starts off in group format with Monklands in Section One alongside Kelburne, Greenock and Helensburgh. The top two in each pool will advance to the semi-finals.

lMONKLANDS’ West District Division Two Outdoor League match at Giffnock was called off last weekend.

The fixture bit the dust just two hours before the pushback after the hosts confirmed the pitch at Mearns Castle High School was frozen.

The postponement means Monklands have a backlog of three games to re-schedule in the coming weeks.

Monklands will be hoping for better luck this Saturday when they will look to restart their promotion bid at home to Hillhead.

Team: Andy Watt, George Armstrong, Andy McKellar, Andrew Leaker, Ed Cheung, Colin McAdams, Jamie Mathieson, Andy Paterson, David Aitken.